Fimbriated

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Displaying a margin that is adorned with fringe-like extensions Featuring an edge that has thread-like projections or frills Characterized by having a finely divided border that resembles delicate threads or fringes in appearance
2. Having a decorative edge made up of thin fringe-like strands or filaments
3. Characterized by an outline that is bordered with fine, hair-like projections resembling fringe

Etymology: "Fimbriated" is the past-participle-style adjective built on "fimbriate," so its story is essentially the story of that root. The Latin "fimbria" meant a fringe or thread-end, and it was used for the hair-like edges of fabric and for the bordering of garments. Biology and botany borrowed the idea for structures whose margins look like a fringe of fine threads, such as the edges of certain petals, leaves, and animal organs. Adding the "-ated" ending turns the noun-like idea of a fringe into a description of something that has been so fringed.